Veterinarians
Shelley Epstein, VMD
For Dr. Shelley Epstein, becoming a veterinarian was never even a question. "I just always loved animals and knew I wanted to be a vet," she said. Dr. Epstein did not waste any time. Two days after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1985, she was at work at Wilmington Animal Hospital. She's been the owner of the clinic since 1994.
"Helping dogs and cats through challenging illnesses, and seeing the immense gratitude of their people," is the most satisfying thing about her job. "I love seeing the correct homeopathic remedy turn around an animal's health. This is especially rewarding when the condition has been deemed 'incurable.' I also enjoy mentoring prospective veterinarians and showing them everything we do and how fulfilling it is."
Dr. Epstein grew up in Havertown, PA and received her undergraduate degree in Natural Science from Muhlenberg College in 1981. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and also graduated Summa Cum Laude (5th in her college class).
Today Dr. Epstein has a special interest in holistic medicine, which includes homeopathy, nutrition, nutritional therapies and other natural therapies including herbs, laser and ozone therapy. She is certified in veterinary homeopathy by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. Her case report, published in the esteemed Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association Nov/Dec. 2011 issue, was the first homeopathy case report published in a current North American veterinary journal.
Dr. Epstein is a member of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (former president and chairperson of six annual conferences), American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Delaware Veterinary Medical Association, and National Center for Homeopathy. She serves on the editorial board of the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and is a regular contributor to the Journal of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. She is currently writing and co-editing a textbook.
Dr. Epstein is married with two grown sons. She and her husband Rick share their home with three rescue dogs, Ness, Deuce, and Baxter, and three cats, Ellie, Mystic and Mac. She's an avid long-distance cyclist and is a member of the Delaware Valley Bicycle Club.
Alison Ladman, VMD
General Practitioner Dr. Alison Ladman has a distinct memory from her childhood of one of the first times she helped an animal. She and her family were driving down a major road in Pennsylvania when they saw horses running free "in danger of being hit by cars," she said. "I was able to help the horses' owners by leading them back to their pasture, which was a mile away, in cold weather and on a road full of tractor trailers."
Later, when she was in high school in Bethlehem, PA, Dr. Ladman shadowed a veterinarian from the local Rotary Club one day, and the experience left a lasting impression on her. She would also assist the equine veterinarian who cared for the horses at the barn where she rode and worked.
"I thoroughly enjoyed helping him tube horses, float teeth and perform exams," Dr. Ladman said. "I've always wanted to ease the suffering of animals." She also worked in a vet hospital during college.
Dr. Ladman graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Biology and went to receive her Master's in Animal Science from the University of Delaware with a concentration in Avian Virology. Dr. Ladman received her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005, and has been with Wilmington Veterinary Hospital since then.
Today, she has a special interest in internal medicine and dentistry. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Information Network. She spends some of her free time volunteering at the Kent County SPCA.
Dr. Ladman is married, and she and her husband Brian have two mixed-breed dogs, brothers named Frank and Beans. Her hobbies include gardening, camping, cooking, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with friends and family.
Maria Werkiser, VMD
Dr. Maria Werkiser is a General Practitioner who has been with Wilmington Animal Hospital since 1997.
Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Dr. Werkiser says that as a child she grew up loving animals in a family with no animals and held a strong interest in science. Now that she is a veterinarian, she says, "I enjoy getting to know the clients and finding ways to help them with their pets. I also enjoy the time I get to spend with animals, the challenge of working through a tricky diagnosis, and the fact that I am able to always keep learning."
Dr. Werkiser attended the University of Delaware where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1983. Prior to entering veterinary school, she worked at a pharmaceutical company and two veterinary practices. In 1986, she enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated first in her class with a Veterinary Medical Doctorate in 1990.
Dr. Werkiser's area of special professional interest is internal medicine and she is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
At home, Dr. Werkiser has two cats named Violet and Holly, a bull mastiff named Lily, Australian shepherd named Eli, and a thoroughbred horse named Tuck. Her interests include horseback riding, watching sports and attending sporting events of all types (especially her daughter's swim meets and cheerleading competitions), walking/hiking, and reading.
Elissa Dale Green, DVM
Dr. Elissa Dale Green is a General Practitioner with a special interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She joined the Wilmington Animal Hospital staff in 2005.
A native of Los Angeles, California, Dr. Green says that she has had a lifelong love and fascination for animals and always knew that her life would revolve around animal care in one form or another. "When I was choosing my professional path, I strongly considered working with or advocating for wildlife and spent some time in wildlife research," she says. "It was, however, my appreciation for what animals bring to our lives—that special human/animal relationship—that influenced my decision to become a small animal veterinarian."
For her undergraduate studies, Dr. Green attended Yale University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Medieval Studies in 1983, after graduating Summa Cum Laude. She also earned membership into the Phi Beta Kappa honors society and graduated Distinction with Honors in the major. Before attending veterinary school, she worked in wildlife research overseas, and as a private tutor and teacher for students with special needs.
In 1987, Dr. Green enrolled in the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine where she was a founding member of the first veterinary school/student managed Pet Loss Support Hotline, providing grief counseling to bereaved pet owners. She graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1991.
Dr. Green's areas of special professional interest include Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine), and internal medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Additionally, she performed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Green has a number of pets, which include a thoroughbred horse named Little Nooster who was rescued from a race track; three Collies named Sparky (rescued from the Delaware Humane Association), Oreo, and Cinnamon (rescued from a shelter in West Virginia); a cat named Shovav, and a small blue and white parakeet named Sierra. Her interests include hiking, horseback riding, visiting the gardens at Longwood and Winterthur, arts and crafts, visiting museums, reading, cooking special meals for family and friends, travel, and spending time with her family.
Steven S. Fries, DC
Dr. Steven S. Fries is an Animal Chiropractor who has been practicing with Wilmington Animal Hospital since 1996.
One of the main reasons he was initially attracted to practicing at Wilmington Animal Hospital is its mix of traditional and alternative medical modalities. He adds that his training in Functional Neurology and continuing education in his field help ensure that he is able to effectively enhance the care received by animals at our veterinary hospital.
For his undergraduate studies, Dr. Fries attended the University of Tampa where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then attended the Pennsylvania College of Straight Chiropractic where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 1991. He is currently taking post-doctorate courses through the Carrick Institute and is certified by and a member of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association since 1993.
Additional continuing education studies include Applied Kinesiology through Health Pioneers, the Advanced Neurology Program through the Healing Oasis Wellness Center, and postural rehabilitation for equines and canines.
Dr. Fries' pets include a Boston terrier named Mr. Littleman and a Shar-Pei named Roo. His interests include sea and surf kayaking, rowing, snorkeling, camping, horseback riding, dirt surfing and painting.
Lynne Alexandra "Lexie" Hanna, VMD
Dr. Lynne Alexandra "Lexie" Hanna is a General Practitioner and acupuncturist who joined the Wilmington Animal Hospital medical staff in July of 2004.
When asked what early experiences led her to select a career in veterinary medicine, Dr. Hanna says that as a child she had access to a number of animals, which included horses, adopting a number of stray cats and dogs, and many rabbits. "I also loved feeding corn to a barn full of horses (50 or more) and the thrill of hearing the loud crunching noises," she says.
Early in her career, though, she was introduced to acupuncture as a very powerful veterinary tool. "I was very fortunate to have worked with Dr. Meredith Snader, a family friend and pioneer in equine acupuncture. She started doing acupuncture on race horses in the 1970s when it was considered voodoo medicine. I worked with her in the late 1990s and traveled along the East Coast helping her treat top thoroughbred race horses. I was amazed at the often instant transformation I witnessed while she performed acupuncture."
A native of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, Dr. Hanna attended the University of Delaware where she received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with a minor in French in 1995. Before entering veterinary school she taught French and acted as program director for an international company that places foreign students in U.S. boarding schools. In 2000, she enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine where she earned the Holistic Medicine Scholarship and received her Veterinary Medical Doctorate in 2004.
Dr. Hanna's areas of special professional interest include acupuncture, nutrition, and cardiology. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Additionally, she received certification in acupuncture from Colorado State University.
At home, Dr. Hanna enjoys yoga, hiking, spending time with family and cooking.